Community Post Office opens in Coldiron

Nola Sizemore Staff Writer

November 5, 2013

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held Tuesday for a new Village Post Office now open at the L.P. Energy Convenient Store and Service Station, formerly known as the Coal Bucket, in Coldiron. This is a new expanded service now available for post office customers.

“The post office in Coldiron recently received reduced hours, so this is an alternate place a customer may come and purchase stamps, mail flat rate packages of all sizes as well as buy milk, bread and soda here at James’ (Howard) store. This is a double benefit,” said Nick Walker, Village Post Office Coordinator. “It works out for the customer and it works out for the postal service, as well as L.P. Energy and James Howard. It’s a partnership between the postal service and L.P. Energy. We’re tickled to death to have him. It’s been a while in the making.”

Walker said Howard has gone “above and beyond” in providing additional signage advertising the Village Post Office.

“The postal service provides one sign, but James has paid for three additional signs out of his own pocket,” said Walker. “We are delighted, because now it is well advertised to the community. The convenient store is open 24 hours a day so customers may now purchase stamps or mail a package any time they chose to do so.”

Walker said a letter and package collection box will be placed at the store for the customer’s convenience.

“Our carrier will come by and check the collection box daily, as well as come in and pick up any packages,” said Walker. “We also provide $50 of free insurance for those packages mailed at no additional cost.”

Howard, owner of L.P. Energy Convenient Store and Service Station, said he decided to participate in the Village Post Office program because, “it’s an excellent accommodation to his customers and the community.”

“These outposts are great,” said Howard. “They have proven themselves and are working everywhere. Having the opportunity to mail letters and packages and buy stamps 24 hours a day will help those who may have to go to work early or work late. We hope everyone will really like it.”

The new hours at the Coldiron Post Office are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.